How to catch Hoopa Unbound in Pokemon GO and can it be Shiny? Exploring shiny odds and more

Hoopa Unbound in Pokemon GO is one of the most sought-after Mythical monsters, with an impressive attack stat and unique Psychic/Dark typing. If you’re looking to add this powerhouse to your collection, here’s everything you need to know about obtaining Hoopa Unbound and whether its shiny form is available.


To get Hoopa Unbound, you’ll first need Hoopa Confined. Hoopa Confined was originally available through the "Misunderstood Mischief" Special Research in 2021 and has since appeared in limited-time events. Once you have Hoopa Confined, transforming it into Hoopa Unbound is straightforward. Open your Pokemon storage, select Hoopa Confined, and tap the "Change Form" option. This transformation costs 50 Hoopa Candy and 10,000 Stardust. If you want to revert it back to Hoopa Confined, you’ll need 10 Hoopa Candy and 2,000 Stardust.

Hoopa Unbound also occasionally appears in 5-star raids. For instance, Niantic announced that Hoopa Unbound would be available as a raid boss on February 15, 2025, from 2 pm to 5 pm local time. These raids are challenging, so bring strong Bug- and Fairy-type counters to take it down.
Additionally, Hoopa Confined has been a reward for Special and Timed Research tasks in the past. Although there aren't any known research events with Hoopa in the near future, Niantic might bring it back in later updates. Watch for seasonal announcements to learn about new ways to get it.


As of now, Shiny Hoopa Unbound is not available in Pokemon GO. Neither is Shiny Hoopa Confined. Mythical Pokemon often take a long time before their shiny versions are released, so it might be a while before trainers can hunt for a shiny Hoopa.
For now, focus on obtaining Hoopa Unbound through raids or research tasks. Its powerful moveset makes it a valuable addition to your battle roster. Stay tuned for future updates from Niantic, as the shiny variant could debut in the coming years.
Also read: How to solo defeat Hoopa Unbound in Pokemon GO 5-star raids (February 15, 2025)

In the meantime, trainers can prepare for Hoopa Unbound raids by building teams with strong Bug- and Fairy-type Pokemon. Whether you’re battling in raids or transforming Hoopa Confined, this Mythical Pokemon is worth the effort. Keep an eye on official announcements for any changes to its availability or shiny status.